The Loadstar Podcast

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The Loadstar Podcast adds nuance and depth to The Loadstar's coverage of the global supply chain. Each episode we interview the world’s leading freight, shipping, air cargo and logistics executives and analysts about the forces making markets tick and t

The Loadstar Media Ltd


    • Dec 15, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 50m AVG DURATION
    • 33 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Loadstar Podcast

    2022 Winners & Losers and the challenges of a post-Covid world

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2022 52:23


    If 2022 taught us anything, it was to expect the unexpected. It was the year that shocked us with war in Ukraine, endless Chinese Covid lockdowns, soaring inflation and the devastation of tighter fiscal and monetary policies. Extreme weather affected supply chains from India to the Mississippi, Australia to the Rhine. Freight rates collapsed and peak season was a non-event. But, on the other side of the ledger, in most parts of the world 2022 also saw the emergence of the spring shoots of a post-Covid world with all the freedoms that entails. This episode examines the biggest stories of the last year and what a post-Covid world means for M&A activity as well as for shippers, forwarders and carriers. A gaggle of Loadstar hacks also pick out their biggest winners and losers of 2022. And we look forward to what happens next. Who will be spending their Covid treasure troves and who will be tightening their belts? And where are the biggest market risks and opportunities in this new economic and geopolitical landscape? All is revealed. Guests Alex Lennane, The Loadstar Publisher Gavin Van Marle, The Loadstar, Managing Editor Mike Wackett, The Loadstar, Sea Freight Correspondent Episode in more detail War in Ukraine and the impact on air cargo (3.44) Exactly what happened to ocean freight in 2022? (7.59) M&A deals in 2022 (12.19) Maersk Skou retires – his legacy (15.44) Winners & Losers 2022 (18.26) The biggest takeaways and lessons from the Covid era (26.00) What to expect in box shipping in 2023 (30.22) Air freight forecasts for 2023 (34.52) The new business environment/M&A (37.54) Risk and opportunities in 2023 (48.10) Credits: Created, edited and produced by Mike King Mike can be contacted at mikeking121@gmail.com www.theloadstar.com

    'Not the mother of all peak seasons'

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2022 70:38


    In part 1 we examine what one express executive calls the ‘modest’ 2022 peak season. We look at companies such as Shopify and TikTok which are now investing heavily in their supply chains. We discuss integrator price hikes, US logistics challenges and the looming threat of labour strikes. And finally, we ask what Covid protests and lockdowns in China mean for global logistics, and whether a post-Covid ‘normalisation’ of supply chains will see a welcome return to more emphasis on human rights and procurement diversification. Part Two is a deep dive with Xeneta’s Peter Sand into ocean shipping markets and how to manage contract renegotiations with carriers. Guests Greg Hewitt, CEO, DHL Express US Emma Cosgrove, Senior Reporter covering logistics at Insider Brian Bourke, Global Chief Commercial Officer, SEKO Logistics Peter Sand, Chief Analyst, Xeneta Episode in more detail: Part 1 The supply chain in mainstream media and stock markets (2.25) New market entrants – Shopify to TikTok (6.20) DHL Express exclusive (11.39) 2022: The modest peak season (15.19) Pricing: DHL vs FedEx vs UPS (22.13) DHL invests (24.50) Labour costs and last mile bankruptcies (27.19) Protests in China (31.03) Forwarding in Q4 – SEKO Logistics (35.20) The threat of labour strikes (38.54) Risk and opportunity in 2023 (40.40) Human rights and a more diversified supply chain (46.05) Part 2 – Ocean shipping rates focus (49.20) Blanks ahead (51.40) Renegotiating long-term (53.45) Forwarder plight (58.10) Declining demand (1.00.50) Surging deliveries (1.04.28) Shipper advice (1.07.50) Created, editing and produced by Mike King Mike can be contacted at mikeking121@gmail.com www.theloadstar.com

    Electrolux exclusive; TIACA Miami; economic downturn pummels rates

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2022 56:28


    Ever wondered how the largest shippers manage vast supply chains, draw up contracts with favoured carriers or deploy the latest tech? If so, this episode has you covered. Swedish multination Electrolux’s annual Full Container Load volumes average around 175,000 teu, while its annual air freight tonnage totals some 6,000 metric tonnes. Tia Mohan, Ocean and Air Transportation Planning Director, joins host Mike King for an in-depth interview. This episode also includes reports from TIACA’s Air Cargo Forum in Miami from Loadstar Publisher Alex Lennane and Freightwaves’ Air Cargo Editor Eric Kulisch. And Mike also examines the latest economic and freight rate trends with Peyton Burnett, MD of TAC Index. Mike can be contacted at: mikeking121@gmail.com. Guests Tia Mohan, Ocean and Air Transportation Planning Director, Electrolux Peyton Burnett, MD, TAC Index Alex Lennane, Publisher, Loadstar Eric Kulisch, Air Cargo Editor, Freightwaves Episode in more detail: The scope of Electrolux’s supply chain challenge (1.44) The pros and cons of tech (7.37) Pricing platforms (11.12) Navigating chaos amid a seller’s market during Covid (13.30) Geopolitics and sourcing (19.17) Contracting strategy and KPIs (24.41) Enforcement: If you can’t do port-to-port, forget door-to-door (27.01) The emissions journey (30.05) Supply chains in 2023 (33.40) TIACA Air Cargo Forum – Loadstar and Freightwaves report (36.57) Signs of optimism (40.26) China’s zero-Covid policy (42.51) The state of US air freight (45.33) Freight rate update (49.24) Credits: Created, produced and hosted by Mike King www.theloadstar.com

    DP World's new London Gateway berth

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2022 36:48


    Over the last year we have heard so much about the need for more UK port capacity. In this Sponsored Podcast The Loadstar explores one project that will deliver just that. Managing editor, Gavin van Marle examines DP World’s decision to construct a fourth berth at its London Gateway complex in the UK.Gavin gets answers about why this is so important for UK plc and European shipping and logistics from his guest Ernst Schulze, UK CEO of DP World and the company’s ambitions to transform itself into an end-to-end supply chain operator. Episode in more detail: The investment rationale (1.45) Investment size and timeline (6.05) Customer benefits (9.09) Rail outlook (10.19) Innovations and decarbonisation (13.30) The logistics of ports (17.03) UK Free Ports (20.29) E-commerce demand driver (22.18) Job creation (24.27) Digitalisation and supply chains (26.39) DP World’s vertical integration (28.58) Post-Covid supply chains (32.38) Website: www.theloadstar.com

    US Cargo Wars: East Coast vs West Coast

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2022 63:58


    If you think East Coast versus West Coast is all about rappers, think again. In Part 2 of this episode the Loadstar examines cargo shifts in the US this year from a global perspective and from a port operator’s viewpoint. Host Mike King speaks to Peter Sand, chief analyst at Xeneta, and Stephen A. Edwards, CEO and executive director of Virginia Port Authority. Part 1 of this episode also asks if the slowdown in e-commerce is overstated and examines the limited achievements and many failings of IATA’s hosting of its World Cargo Symposium in London. We also preview COP 27 and ask where next for the EC’s liner consortia competition rule exemptions. Guests Mirja Nissen, Director, eCommerce Solutions, International Bonded Couriers, Inc. Stephen A. Edwards, CEO and Executive Director, Virginia Port Authority Alex Lennane, Publisher, The Loadstar Peter Sand, Chief Analyst, Xeneta Nick Savvides, News Editor, The Loadstar Also featuring: Olivier Casanova, deputy CFO, CMA CGM Group and former CEO, CMA CGM Air Cargo Vassilios Demetriades, Shipping Deputy Minister to the President, Republic of Cyprus Episode in more detail Part 1 – news update IATA’s London fail (2.25) CMA CGM’s air reveal (6.50) Air freight rates (10.58) E-commerce now and in future (12.13) ‘Parcelisation’ (21.55) EU liner regulation update (22.39) COP27 preview (26.18) Part 2 US Cargo Wars: East Coast vs West Coast (27.44) Virginia Port Authority CEO on cargo wins and investments (30.15) Xeneta numbers on West coast cargo transition eastwards (33.47) Congestion bites (36.17) Hinterland bottlenecks (45.49) Fixing US infrastructure (49.47) Demand outlook (54.41) Transatlantic trade bonus (56.54) Long-term cargo wins? (58.40) Credits: created, produced and hosted by Mike King Website: www.theloadstar.com

    The Big Interview: The world according to shippers

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2022 39:01


    In this Big Interview, Loadstar Podcast editor and producer Mike King gets the view of the freight and shipping world from the perspective of shippers as he interviews James Hookham, Secretary General of the Global Shippers’ Forum. Mike asks why do shippers still want reform of the liner industry even as rates declines? Also discussed are the impacts Covid disruptions and soaring freight rates have had on SMEs. Why container lines need more regulation. How carriers and shippers can build trust so they can cooperate more fully on critical challenges including how to decarbonise supply chains. And why more action needs to be taken to stop bugs getting into boxes. Episode in more detail Logistics now: The shippers’ perspective (1.24) The outlook in Europe (4.14) China as a manufacturing centre (5.33) Brexit and Truss (8.04) Shippers view of container lines and EC regulations (13.34) The dangers of bugs in boxes (26.00) Building more sustainable supply chains (31.00) 2023 challenges (35.10) Credits: created, produced and hosted by Mike King Website: www.theloadstar.com

    Freight rate ‘normalisation'; partnering on decarbonisation; M&A activity as demand slows

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2022 47:31


    In Part 1, Mike King and guests explore freight technology take-up and the latest M&A activity. They also ask if we are now seeing the normalisation of freight rates, and if the scaling back of ocean and air ambitions by some integrators and carriers are the sign of things to come. Are you trying to decarbonise your supply chain without partnering with stakeholders. If so, in Part 2 of this podcast you’ll hear why you should think again. Guests Bryn Atherton, Liner Development Director, Allseas Shipping Company Alex Lennane, Publish, The Loadstar Peyton Burnett, Managing Director, TAC INDEX Dr. Mikael Lind, Adjunct Professor in Maritime Informatics and Senior Strategic Research Advisor Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE) and Chalmers University of Technology Wolfgang Lehmacher, Investor and Board Member, and former Head of Supply Chain and Transport Industries at the World Economic Forum Gavin Van Marle, Managing Editor, The Loadstar Eric Johnson, Technology Editor, Journal of Commerce Episode in more detail: Part 1 Tech uptake challenge (2.23) FedEx & Amazon pullback (6.13) Air freight rates and challenges (8.00) Ocean rates normalising? (11.40) Blank sailings (finally) (14.48) Allseas interview/UK port strikes (17.35) Chartering market as spot market falls (19.58) M&A activity (25.46) Part 2 (28.22) – Partnering to decarbonise Credits: Created, produced and hosted by Mike King Mike can be contacted at mikeking121@gmail.com

    The Deep Dive: We Need To Talk About Peak Season

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2022 21:08


    In this Deep Dive Loadstar Podcast, Mike King and guests explain the traditional container shipping peak season and its role in the ebb and flow of global trade. They also examine how the last two years of Covid-driven supply chain disruption have impacted box trade seasonality. And they consider whether parts of that transformation will be permanent, or whether a return to normality is now underway in the shape of a 2022 peak season that has faltered in the face of economic headwinds. Guests: Lars Jensen, CEO, Vespucci Maritime John McCown, Founder, Blue Alpha Capital Kathy Liu, Director, Global Sales & Marketing, Dimerco Express Group Jason Haith, Manager, OEC Group Stephanie Loomis, Vice President for Procurement, CargoTrans Peter Sand, Chief Analyst, Xeneta Bruce Chan, Director & Senior Analyst, Global Logistics & Future Mobility Equity Research, Stifel Josh Brazil, VP for Supply Chain Insights, Project44 Credits: Created, produced and hosted by Mike King Mike can be contacted at: mikeking121@gmail.com

    F1 boss tackles air cargo; peak forwarder profits; port congestion vs slowing demand

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2022 82:38


    In part one, Mike King and his guests from around the world of freight, shipping and logistics explore if the US peak season is already over, why forwarder profits peaked in the second quarter and how port congestion is set to continue and could act as a break on freight rate declines. In part two, Mike speaks in depth to Paul Stoddart, the former Formula 1 team owner and chairman of fast-growing freighter operator European Cargo. They cover the global economy, why the cost-of-living crisis will curtail bellyhold capacity, the challenges of air cargo for a newcomer, and why regulators and politics are threatening to sink UK aviation. Guests Paul Stoddart, Chairman of European Cargo Stephanie Loomis, Vice President for Procurement, CargoTrans Peter Sand, Chief Analyst at Xeneta Bruce Chan, Director & Senior Analyst, Global Logistics & Future Mobility Equity Research, Stifel Josh Brazil, VP for Supply Chain Insights, Project44 Episode in more detail: Part one Ocean and air freight rates update (3.39) Trans-Atlantic trade soars (5.00) Forwarder returns peak (7.49) Predictions from Stifel (11.48) M&A outlook (15.49) US bottlenecks (20.47) Has the peak season been and gone? (25.16) Xeneta: Where is the box freight rate floor? (34.42) The impact of port congestion (37.35) Part two – Interview with Paul Stoddart, Chairman of European Cargo Formula 1 – a teething ground for air cargo (48.53) European Cargo – story so far (52.48) Belly returns and the air cargo outlook (56.30) Still room for expansion? (1.00.45) Preighters vs freighters (1.02.28) War in Ukraine and air ops (1.05.57) Sweet home Bournemouth (1.11.19) Brexit and the failures of regulators (1.14.39) Credits: Created, produced and hosted by Mike King Mike can be contacted at: mikeking121@gmail.com

    The Big Summer Catch-up

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2022 67:02


    In part one of this bumper summer episode, Mike King and guests from around the world explore the current state of play in global logistics, shipping and air cargo. This section analyses the biggest news stories of the summer including industrial unrest at European ports, the latest from China and why US West Coast port congestion has shifted East. It also includes a full briefing on air and ocean freight rates. In part 2, Mike deep dives on the macroeconomic environment buffeting the freight industry. How are soaring logistics and shipping costs feeding global inflation? And what does inflation, recession and slowing global growth mean for the logistics industry? Guests: John McCown, container shipping veteran and Founder of Blue Alpha Capital Kathy Liu, Director Global Sales & Marketing of Dimerco Express Group Rob Subbaraman, Nomura Head of Global Macro Research and Co-Head of Global Markets Research Jason Haith, Manager at Transpacific forwarding specialist OEC Group Peyton Burnett, Managing Director of TAC INDEX. Mike Wackett, Loadstar, sea freight correspondent Credits: Created, produced and hosted by Mike King Comments or thoughts on this podcast can be sent to Mike King: mikeking121@gmail.com. Episode in more detail Part 1 – Summer Catch-up Shipping freight rates take a summer plunge (3.30) Carriers step up blanks (5.00) China military exercises hits air freight (9.00) Alternative sourcing to China (9.39) Slowing Asian exports, but autumn launch boost expected (12.05) TAC Index: Air Cargo catch-up (14.20) Shippers “rubbing hands” as power swings away from airlines (17.25) Felixstowe/Liverpool dockworker strikes (18.16) Sizzling temperatures hit European barge logistics (20.14) German port strike threat (22.30) EC regulators turn gaze on container lines (23.10) How the US peak season is playing out (25.10) US port congestion shifts to the East (26.31) Retailers juggle inventory (30.40) Container lines post bumper Q2 profits (37.24) Part 2 – Special report: Economic Headwinds & Freight IMF forecasts drastically cut (41.00) Nomura’s take on recession (43.39) Mixed picture on inflation? (46.16) Global trade to slow; Asian exports bellwether (49.20) Shipping costs drive inflation. (52.08) Record Q2 for carriers says McCown (55.29) The inelasticity shipping pricing? (57.10) How the shipping/freight industry is adapting to rising inflation (59.11) Why shipping costs might not fall when firms near-shore (1.03.54)

    The Big Interview : Is shipping's bull run coming to an end?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2022 40:28


    What next for container shipping rates and regulation as the macroeconomic clouds turn thunderous? Are carriers spending their pandemic windfalls wisely? Is deglobalisation on the agenda and, if so, what does this mean for box shipping? Who better to ask than one of the world’s leading analysts and former shipping executive, Lars Jensen, CEO of Vespucci Maritime. Credits: created, produced and hosted by Mike King Episode in more detail Why there is a precedent for today’s macroeconomic situation (3.01) Where next for global box volumes (4.28) What happens in peak season (7.51) Port congestion could unravel (10.31) Why contracts might not be honoured (17.07) Should liner performance be better? (22.40) OSRA and President Biden’s ‘intervention’ (26.59) Liner investment strategies (31.10) War, Covid and deglobalisation (35.08)

    Big Interview v3 Lars Jensen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2022 40:28


    What next for container shipping rates and regulation as the macroeconomic clouds turn thunderous? Are carriers spending their pandemic windfalls wisely? Is deglobalisation on the agenda and, if so, what does this mean for box shipping? Who better to ask than one of the world’s leading analysts and former shipping executive, Lars Jensen, CEO of Vespucci Maritime. Credits: created, produced and hosted by Mike King Episode in more detail Why there is a precedent for today’s macroeconomic situation (3.01) Where next for global box volumes (4.28) What happens in peak season (7.51) Port congestion could unravel (10.31) Why contracts might not be honoured (17.07) Should liner performance be better? (22.40) OSRA and President Biden’s ‘intervention’ (26.59) Liner investment strategies (31.10) War, Covid and deglobalisation (35.08)

    Is Winter Coming?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2022 72:55


    In part one, host Mike King and his guests examine why northern Europe’s hub ports are struggling to cope with container volumes, what Joe Biden’s forays into shipping policy mean for shippers and why predictions of a cargo surge from China have not materialised. Contributors also discuss the air cargo supply-demand balance and the sector’s logistics challenges, what next for AirBridgeCargo and where (and when) container lines might spend their huge profits. And in part 2, Xeneta’s Peter Sand makes some bold predictions for container shipping as the global economic picture deteriorates. Box volumes were originally expected to see healthy growth this year, but those forecasts are rapidly being revised. Could we even see a contraction in 2022 and, if so, what would this mean for spot and contract freight rates? In short, is winter coming for some trade lanes? Guests Erion Hormoviti, Executive Director, Air Freight Product at Ascent Eleanor Hadland, Senior Analyst for Ports & Terminals at Drewry Peter Sand, Chief Analyst at Xeneta Alex Lennane, Loadstar Publisher Mike Wackett, Loadstar Sea Freight Correspondent Episode in more detail: PART 1 Endless, constant disruptions (3.22) European ports in disarray (5.19) Drewry’s take on port congestion and the peak season (9.37 – 17.26) Barge chaos (17.29) Air cargo staffing shortages and challenges (18.53) What next for ABC? (20.53) Ascent’s take on global air cargo (23.00-32.41).) Container lines eye the skies (30.41-36.00) More M&A this summer? (36.53) OSRA and more liner regulations (38.00) PART 2 – Is Winter Coming for the container trades? An exclusive interview on all things shipping with Peter Sand, Xeneta Chief Analyst. (41.11) Credits: created, produced and hosted by Mike King

    War + Covid = Deglobalisation? Discuss.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2022 61:24


    As the freight and shipping industry waits for China to unshackle its people and global trade from Covid-19, creator and editor Mike King looks not only at what might happen on key trades lanes in the next weeks and months, he also explores whether global supply chains as we’ve known them are now finished? Is a fundamental reset on the way? And who will be driving it if so? We also have the build-up to the peak shipping season, air cargo freight rate updates, a look at the preparedness of US surface transport, and the latest regulations covering the vast business that is the global illegal wildlife trade. Credits: created, produced and hosted by Mike King Guests Peyton Burnett, Managing Director of TAC INDEX. Craig Fuller, Founder & CEO at FreightWaves and CEO at FLYING Philippa Dyson, TRAFFIC's coordinator of transport sector engagement Dennis Grady, Vice President for Ocean Product at Ascent. Episode in more detail The end of globalisation? (3.37) Will China remain a reliable partner? (7.26) The air cargo market (12.00) Who is paying for spiking jet fuel prices? (16.56) The re-regionalisation of supply chains (21.00) A pre-peak season surge? (27.31) Freight and WFH (37.33) The winners from a trading reset (41.00) Complicity and the illegal wildlife trade (45.00) New IMO rules (52.49) Air cargo steps forward on smuggling (57.02)

    The Big Interview: Hapag Lloyd - the next 175 years

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2022 26:51


    On its 175th anniversary, Loadstar Podcast editor and producer Mike King asks Hapag Lloyd, the world’s fifth largest container line, how the carrier is managing the chaos of the here and now? What is being done to help shipper customers? Where will the windfalls of the last two years be spent? And what does the future hold for container shipping over the next 175 years? Mike interviews newly appointed Executive Board Member of Hapag Lloyd, Donya Amer, and Dr. Ralf Belusa, Managing Director Digital Business & Transformation. Credits: created, produced and hosted by Mike King Episode in more detail: 175 years of challenges (2.22) Unkinking container shipping now ( 6.21) A reset for supply chains (9.40) Any slots for an SME? (12.40) Spending a treasure chest (14.45) Scramble for Africa and investing in clean fuels (16.52) Digitalisation and Covid-19 (22.35) The next 175 years (25.10)

    The Shipper, the Analysts, the Economist & Big Blue - what next for global trade?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2022 60:03


    In this episode, Mike King examines what impact Covid lockdowns in China are having on exports from Asia. What do lower outbound volumes mean for the peak season, container shipping and the global economy? And, if lockdowns are eased in the coming weeks, are carriers and ports in Europe and North America ready to handle a Q3 surge better than they managed in 2021? Credits: created, produced and hosted by Mike King Guests Lars Mikael Jensen, Head of Global Ocean Network at Maersk Peter Sand, Chief Analyst at Xeneta Jake Phipps, CEO of global manufacturer Phipps International Josh Brazil, VP Supply Chain Insights, Project44 Rob Subbaraman, Head of Global Macro Research and Co-head of Global Markets Research, Nomura Episode in more detail: All eyes on China as lockdowns hit global supply chains (4.20) View from a shipper (5.20) Extended Transpac delivery times (.7.50) Container spot and contract freight rates (10.21) TAC Index update (13.50) USWC versus USEC (16.33) – analysts and their numbers European port delays (23.46) Box shipping demand outlook (25.25) The Economist – demand forecast and export concerns (30.40) Could health policy trump trade in Xi’s China (35.43) The container line. Exclusive extended interview with Lars Mikael Jensen, Head of Global Ocean Network at Maersk (37.26).

    China lockdowns, M&A splurge & what next for Asia-Europe rail freight

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2022 61:31


    Episode Description In Part 1 we hear about the latest M&A activity, what’s happening at ports and airports in China as Covid lockdowns bite, and what this means for rates and the peak season. We also shed light on how rail services between Asia and Europe have been devastated by war in Ukraine and discuss why Lidl has set up a new shipping line. In Part 2, we zoom in on air freight as we hear how the air supply chain can be improved, what war in Europe means for the sector and why TIACA is reinventing itself under the leadership of Director General Glyn Hughes. Guests Glyn Hughes, Director General, The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) Conor Feighan, Secretary General, European Rail Freight Association (ERFA) Peyton Burnett, Managing Director, TAC INDEX Gavin Van Marle, Managing Editor, The Loadstar Episode notes in more detail Part 1 An old friend from Drewry and the Felixstowe quiz (1.23) Lidl enters shipping (2.42) China lockdowns and air load factor declines (5.20) TAC Index market analysis (and plenty on China) (7.30) War and air cargo analysis (10.37) Xeneta shipping rates (14.48) What happens in peak season? (16.20) Does Asia-Europe rail freight have a future? (17.14) M&A – the latest deals (25.59) Part 2 – What next air cargo and TIACA An exclusive interview with Glyn Hughes, Director General, The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) (33.15) Credits: created, produced and hosted by Mike King

    The Deep Dive Podcast: “E-commerce is where the gold lies for anyone involved in global logistics.”

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2022 24:23


    In this Deep Dive Loadstar Podcast, Mike King explores how and why the acceleration in e-commerce trade due the Covid-19 pandemic is changing retail and the world of international freight. How are supply chains being transformed? What does this mean for planning and procurement? And, as integrators, trucking companies, forwarders, 3PLs and retailers seek out new supply chain profit centres, who will win this Battle Royale? Guests: Cathy Roberson, President of Logistics Trends & Insights Tom Enright, VP, Retail Supply Chain, Gartner Peter Sand, Chief Analyst at Xeneta Lee Klaskow, Senior Analyst for Transportation and Logistics at Bloomberg Intelligence Neel Jones Shah, Flexport Executive Vice President and Global Head of Airfreight. Jason Miller, Associate Professor of Logistics, Department of Supply Chain Management, Michigan State University — Eli Broad College of Business Created, Produced and Hosted by Mike King

    Easter challenges: Covid lockdowns, port congestion, war in Europe and a lack of slots and flights

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2022 45:42


    The lesson of this Easter episode is do not put all your freight eggs in one basket. Supply chain disruptions covered include the implications of more Covid lockdowns in China, port congestion and what war in Europe is doing to air charter markets. We have the latest air and ocean freight rates, and we hear how SME forwarders are struggling to buy space from carriers. And, will Bollore and Gefco be the next acquisitions by Europe’s container lines? Guests Glenn Hogben, CEO of the Air Charter Association Peter Sand, Chief Analyst, Xeneta Chris Higgins, Commercial Director at AFS Mike Wackett, Loadstar Sea Freight Correspondent Episode in more detail Gefco and Bollore up for grabs. Will lines snap them up? (1.00) Lockdowns in China – implications (6.30) Ripple effects; port congestion (9.20) Carrier strategy in northern Europe (18.50) War and the state of air charter markets (21.10) How does air cargo get back to ‘normal’? (28.40) SME forwarders: the forgotten liner customers (31.26) The end of customer loyalty? (33.43) Container charter markets (42.00) P&O/DP World: the biggest PR fumble in history? (43.50) Credits: Created, Produced and Hosted by Mike King

    The end of globalisation? How the invasion of Ukraine and Russian sanctions are impacting freight markets and the future of free trade.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2022 53:16


    Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is causing significant supply chain issues as carriers, ports and forwarders cancel services due to the fear of carrying or handling sanctioned cargo or incurring reputational damage. The Black Sea, meanwhile, has been classified as a high-risk war zone by the Joint War Committee, a move that has hit imports and exports. Europe’s open skies have also been dramatically closed with all sorts of implications for airlines. In Part 1 of this episode, we explore what War in Europe and sanctions regimes means on a practical level if you’re in the business of logistics and freight. We ask what next for air cargo and shipping operations and freight rates? And what does this invasion mean for rail services from Asia to Europe? We also hear how logistics companies are helping the humanitarian effort and what we can all do to help. And we hear the traumatic story of one seafarer who was on the wrong end of Russian missiles in the Black Sea. In Part 2, we look longer-term. Is this the end of the post-world War 2 rules-based order on which global trade and globalisation itself were built? And, if so, what does this mean for the supply chain landscape on which you all plan and compete? Guests Michael Every, Global Strategist at Rabobank Ami Daniel, CEO of Windward Adrian Batayen, seafarer on the Namura Queen, a vessel attacked by the Russian Navy off Ukraine in the Black Sea Chris Weeks, VP, Humanitarian Affairs, Deutsche Post DHL Alex Lennane, Publisher, The Loadstar Nick Savvides, News Editor, The Loadstar Episode in more detail Part 1 Missiles and escape from the Black Sea (2.43) Air space closures – impact on air cargo capacity and rates (8.32) Rail to ocean? (13.20) Sanctions explained (14.50) Russia and reputational risk as carriers pull services (17.50) How companies and governments are defining ‘Russian’ interests and scaling up due diligence (22.00) The humanitarian efforts of the logistics industry and how to help (26.59 – 35.27) Part 2 – The post-invasion geopolitical and logistics landscape Exclusive interview with Michael Every, Global Strategist at Rabobank The changing world order and history in fast-forward (36.00) Sanctions and the weaponization of Western institutions (38.40) The new trading environment and why it’s a zero-sum game (42.40) What this new Cold War and the politicisation of supply chains mean for logistics professionals (45.21) The end of Belt and Road? (48.50) How to succeed in this new environment (51.32) Credit: created, produced and hosted by Mike King

    Deep Dive: Why US West Coast dockworker union negotiations could rock container shipping

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2022 17:47


    Created, Produced and Hosted by Mike King In this inaugural episode of this Deep Dive Loadstar Podcast, editor Mike King explains why war in Ukraine is not the only global trade disruptor in March 2022. Negotiations over a new labour contract between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) pose a threat to port productivity on the US West Coast where terminals, including those located at Long Beach and Los Angeles, are already bedevilled by port congestion and long vessel delays. Already, shippers are sourcing products in Asia earlier than normal and directing more cargo to US East Coast and Gulf terminals. But do these facilities have the capacity available to receive more ships? And what does all this mean for global inflation, container rates and the US economy? Guests: Brian Whitlock, Gartner Senior Director Research Analyst Jon Gold. Vice President, Supply Chain and Customs Policy at the National Retail Federation Lee Klaskow, Senior Analyst for Transportation and Logistics at Bloomberg Intelligence Peter Tirschwell, Vice President, Maritime & Trade, IHS Markit Peter Sand, Chief Shipping Analyst, Xeneta

    TPM 22 preview. What next for rates and competition policy? And a Loadstar Special Report: Labour Shortages & The Great Resignation.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2022 65:22


    Credits: Created, Produced and Hosted by Mike King Ahead of TPM22 in Long Beach at the end of February, this episode of The Loadstar Podcast examines the key challenges facing those in the business of supply chain, and those wondering how much logistics costs will sever from their bottom lines. This episode also examines freight rates across modes post-Chinese New Year and ahead of the Transpacific contracting season. The latter, of course, clouded by US west coast dockworkers negotiations that could hurt port productivity. And in part 2, a Loadstar Special Report examines labour shortages across the global supply chain. Is this ‘Great Resignation’ a structural fault or simply a symptom of two years of Covid and all the labour and logistics stresses that have resulted? Guests Alex Lennane, Loadstar Publisher Peter Tirschwell - Vice President, Maritime & Trade - IHS Markit Peter Sand, Chief Shipping Analyst, Xeneta Claire French, Air Sea & Road Freight Recruitment Specialist at Select Appointments UK Jason Miller, Associate Professor of Logistics, Department of Supply Chain Management, Michigan State University — Eli Broad College of Business Lee Klaskow, Senior Analyst for Transportation and Logistics at Bloomberg Intelligence Episode in more detail: Why lines and forwarders are investing in air capacity (3.20) Ground handlers struggle with costs (4.50) Competition authorities eye container lines (5.38) Ocean freight rates bounce back (9.15) Known Unknowns: China’s Covid containment policy, Ukraine and cyber risks (11.40) TPM agenda and global trade challenges (14.25 – 30.30) U.S. West Coast dockworker union negotiations threat to global trade, US port productivity and what happens next (20.45) The state of US logistics and what it means for corporate America (30.45) US road and rail outlook (30.40) Ukraine crisis – implications (38.35) Part 2 - Special Report: Labour Shortages & The Great Resignation. (40.45 to 1.05) Post-Brexit labour blues for forwarders (55.05)

    The Big Interview: Shipping's Renaissance Man – Mike King meets AP Moller Maersk's Morten Bo Christiansen

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2022 31:03


    Credits: Created, Produced and Hosted by Mike King In this inaugural episode of the Loadstar Podcast Big Interview editor Mike King talks to AP Moller Maersk’s Morten Bo Christiansen, shipping’s Renaissance Man. Over the last Morten decade has been tasked with finding solutions to some of the critical challenges facing both his company and the shipping and freight industry. In his previous position as Head of Strategy he worked closely with CEO Soren Skou as Maersk ditched its energy business and started its bold ‘transformation’. This was designed to turn Big Blue from being a provider of commoditized port-to-port services into a fully-fledged container logistics integrator. A strategy which has not been without controversy, as this podcast explores. If that wasn’t challenge enough, Morten has now stepped up once more to take on arguably an even greater undertaking. As Head of Decarbonization at AP Moller Maersk, his task is multi-faceted. While many shipping lines need to understand decarbonization in relation primarily to vessel design, new fuels and operations, Maersk now need to apply its decarbonization strategy to its extended global supply chains as it spends recent windfalls on everything from more warehouses to more freighters. Maersk’ transformation rationale (1.53) Parcels industry as inspiration (6.27) Does Maersk still value smaller forwarders as customers? (8.15) Why Maersk is taking decarbonisation seriously (10.21) Regulators must step up (15.17) Betting on methanol (17.48) Maersk green pledge (23.53) Why shipping needs a carbon tax (27.01) Absolute zero vs net zero carbon emissions (29.15)

    Carriers vs forwarders; Cargo Theft & Cultural Wars; Asia-Europe at full stretch

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2022 51:31


    Credits: Created, Produced and Hosted by Mike King This jam-packed episode examines why container lines are getting increasingly picky about who they deem worthy of their servicesm and why the implications for forwarders are far-reaching. We turn our gaze on cargo thefts and why they are being dragged into the cultural wars, and we consider if container lines will continue to buy airlines. We also look in more detail at what is happening on the Asia-Europe trade, we examine how liner network reorganisations are impacting less lucrative trades and we hear the latest on air and shipping freight rates. Guests Emma Rowlands, Strategic Sales Director for Hong-Kong headquartered Kerry Logistics Peyton Burnett, Managing Director of TAC INDEX. Hans-Henrik Nielsen, Global Development Director at CargoGulf Stefan Verberckmoes, Shipping Analyst & Editor North Europe at Alphaliner Mike Yarwood, TT Club’s Managing Director, Loss Prevention Gavin van Marle, Managing Editor of The Loadstar EP2 2022 in more detail Are Maersk and other carriers snubbing forwarders? And does the market really want all-in services from lines given historical customer service performance? (2.30 – 11.00) The latest shipping rates (11.00) Air cargo rates go awry (13.00) More carrier investments in air cargo as MSC makes its move? (17.10) Asia-Europe forwarding focus – why shipping early makes sense. (19.45) Trucking long-haul: Transit times from China to Europe (23.40) Why stratospheric freight rates on the East-West trades are sucking capacity out of less lucrative lanes (27.15) How the Middle East is coping with liner network recalibrations (34.20) Cargo Thefts & Culture Wars (42.00) Cargo Security and how to improve it (44.25) Nusrat Ghani MP: A former UK Transport Minister who deserved better (49.40)

    Chinese New Year mini-spike or multimodal crunch?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2022 52:52


    Credits: Created, Produced and Hosted by Mike King 2022 is already shaping to be a year of daunting challenges for freight and shipping. Carriers by sea, air, ocean and rail can expect healthy profits. But for buyers, managing procurement and inventories has never been more important. The lead-in to Chinese New Year factory closures at the start of February is the focus of this episode. Are we seeing the traditional mini-peak or is there a looming multimodal crunch on the horizon? And, what comes afterwards? All is revealed as we hear the latest from China, and examine what’s happening in air freight markets and where container contract and spot rates are on the East-West trade lanes. Guests: Peter Sand, Chief Shipping Analyst, Xeneta(Co-host). Akhil Nair, VP Global Carrier Management & Ocean Strategy at SEKO Logistics. Jason Haith, Manager at Transpacific forwarding specialist OEC Group. Neel Jones Shah, Flexport Executive Vice President and Global Head of Airfreight. Adam Compain, Senior VP for Product Marketing & Supply Chain Insights, project44. EP1 2022 in more detail: Ocean spot rates ahead of Chinese New Year (3.10) How Covid outbreaks are impacting logistics in China (5.40) – Seko Logistics viewpoint Can carriers use Chinese New Year to improve schedule reliability? (11.00) Q2 Shipping supply and demand imbalance? (13.30) Asia’s airports and airlines are struggling with zero-Covid policies (15.00) – Flexport Air cargo rates in January (19.00) US consumption still driving ocean freight markets and sucking in ships (19.50) Spotlight: The Transpacific (19.50), Xeneta, project44 and OEC Group US hinterland – port delays; trucking rates sky high on scarcity (25.10) Transpacific contract negotiations commence early (32.00) Will PMA/ILWU West Coast port dockworker negotiations prompt rush for East Coast deliveries? (34.40) US airport infrastructure as outdated as its ports (39.40) Global air freight demand in 2022 (42.30) Asia-Europe container trade analysis (45.15)

    2021 Winners and Losers and the challenges ahead

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2021 65:06


    Credits: Created, Produced and Hosted by Mike King Our end-of-year special examines the biggest stories of 2021 and the narratives that have found traction in media far beyond the confines of logistics and shipping. We pick out the winners and losers of pandemic supply chains. We analyse labour shortages, industry consolidation, the latest acquisitions, who has money to burn, and the biggest challenges facing forwarders and shippers. And we look at rates and forecasts for 2022, what Covid means for the future of supply chain planning, and whether shippers and carriers can ever find common ground. EP10 in more detail: The Ever Given blockage of the Suez Canal (4.17) Why it wasn’t a black swan event (6.36) Why airlines are now taking air cargo seriously (7.46) Air cargo peak season pricing – the last five years in perspective (9.00) Greedy airlines? (10.00) The winners from Covid supply chains (11.35) High rates pull in new air freight entrants (15.40) War chests for 2022 – who will buy what? (17.26) Labour shortages cast shadow (19.36) Loadstar journalists discuss their favourite stories of 2021 (21.14) Coined here: Pure Play Contract Logistics Operators (23.52) Regulators eye container shipping (25.57) The biggest challenges in 2022 for forwarders and shippers (26.46) John Pearson. DHL Express CEO – supply chain resilience (29.34) Lars Jensen, CEO of Vespucci Maritime – why near shoring doesn’t work (32.15) Air and ocean rate forecasts for 2022 (36.36) Bjorn Vang Jensen, VP of Advisory Services at Sea-Intelligence – what Covid has taught carriers (39.23) Can lines and shippers make peace? (42.50) EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: The world according to Michael Wax, Co-Founder and CEO of Forto (46.10) Appearing in this episode: Alex Lennane, Loadstar Publisher Gavin Van Marle, Loadstar MD Mike Wackett, Loadstar sea freight correspondent Michael Wax, Co-Founder and CEO of Forto John Pearson. DHL Express CEO Bjorn Vang Jensen, VP of Advisory Services at Sea-Intelligence Lars Jensen, CEO of Vespucci Maritime

    Power cuts in China, the Transpacific rollercoaster and global port congestion bites

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2021 58:41


    Credits: Created, Produced and Hosted by Mike King EP9 sweeps the length of global supply chains. From power cuts and factory shutdowns in China we swing across the Transpacific to the US where logistics networks are straining with final holiday season deliveries and pressure is mounting on the last mile. Then we jump to Europe where we’ll hear how terminal operators are coping with liner scheduling disarray. Or not as the case may be. EP9 in more detail: What did OEM Q3 financials tell us about supply chains? (2.40) The latest on air and ocean freight rates (5.50) Cathay Pacific and FedEx react to Hong Kong lockdowns (8.15) Maersk’s China logistics strategy as electricity shortages and Covid lockdowns bite (from 10.00 mins) Disruption ahead as Chinese New Year and the Winter Olympics loom in February? (15.20 – 19.00 and 23.35-25.00) Spotlight on the Transpacific trade (19.50) US supply chain crunch explained (25.00) What rising sales to inventory levels mean for US demand (28.00) SEKO Logistics’ acquisition plans and Godfather III (30.20) The US last-mile crunch, post-holiday reverse logistics and union troubles at UPS (36.21) The port of Rotterdam’s plans to tackle terminal congestion (41.00) Could port congestion kill the love-in with 20,000 TEU container ships (50.00) Shipping’s underbelly: As the Omicron variant spreads worldwide and travel restrictions are reimposed, Frank Coles calls on governments to do more to protect the human rights of seafarers (52.45) Guests: Cathy Roberson, president, Logistics Trends & Insights Caroline Wu, Area Managing Director for Maersk Greater China Hans Nagtegaal, Director of Containers at the Port of Rotterdam Brian Bourke, Chief Growth Officer at Seko Logistics Sam Whelan, Loadstar Asia Correspondent AND Frank Coles, EX-CEO of the Wallem Group and Strategic Advisor, Kariwa Maritime

    A never-ending peak season, IKEA exclusive and much ado about COP26

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2021 49:44


    Credits: Created, Produced and Hosted by Mike King EP8 of The Loadstar Podcast reports direct from Glasgow where world leaders are congregating for COP26, a meeting many believe is the last chance saloon for meaningful progress on climate change and one that could shape supply chain planning and investment for years to come. EP8 also examines: How IKEA is coping with logistics and supplier bottlenecks (33.30 mins). Why US air cargo supply chains are at full stretch (19.30). Why climate change is increasing the likelihood of containers being lost overboard (6.40). Why airlines must do more on sustainability (15.45). Why decarbonised supply chains mean higher costs. Guests in this episode: Susanne Waidzunas, IKEA Supply Chain Operations Manager Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the Airforwarders Association Peregrine Storrs-Fox, TT Clubs Risk Management Director Michael Page, broadcast meteorologist at Flawless Forecast Nick Savvides, Loadstar News Editor Alex Lennane, Loadstar Publisher

    “The mother of all peak seasons.”

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2021 55:15


    Credits: Created, Produced and Hosted by Mike King As the holiday season closes in, Episode 7 of The Loadstar Podcast looks at what one of our guests believes will be the “the mother of all peak seasons”. We also examine: What next for air and ocean freight rates? What options are still available to shippers looking to restock inventories before the holiday season finishes? Why freight rates from South Asia have risen 50% in the last 2-3 weeks? Is there any chance that Chinese New Year 2022 will bring order to ocean shipping, or are we already turning to 2023 for some respite? What are the real economics of retailers chartering their own vessels? With bellyhold capacity in short supply, who is investing in freighter aircraft? And why is it only in the UK that a lack of truck drivers is causing acute shortages of everything, including fuel? Guests in this episode: John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express Paul Page, Editor of The Wall St Journal’s Logistics Report. Loadstar Founders Alex Lennane and Gavin Van Marle Bryn Atherton, Commercial Director of UK-based forwarder Allseas Global Logistics Bjorn Vang Jensen, former Electrolux procurement veteran and current VP Advisory Services, Global Supply Chain, Sea-Intelligence

    When will the container shipping supply chain chaos end?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2021 44:47


    Credits: Created, Produced and Hosted by Mike King Episode 6 of The Loadstar Podcast turns its focus on the chaos currently affecting global container trades. Mike King is joined by a ‘who’s who’ of shipping and forwarding CEOs and analysts as they explore: When the container shipping pricing madness might end? What needs to change to unblock global trade? And, with regulators now turning their gaze on box shipping, do carriers truly appreciate the terrible optics of reporting record profits while customers are suffering woeful service levels and breath-taking surcharges? Participants in this episode: John Butler, World Shipping Council (WSC) president and CEO Sarah Banks, Global Lead, Freight and Logistics at Accenture Kelvin Leung, Asia Pacific CEO, DHL Global Forwarding Soren Toft, CEO of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Nick Saviddes, Loadstar News Editor Jon Gold, Vice President, Supply Chain and Customs Policy at the National Retail Federation Paul Page, Editor of the WSJ Logistics Report Daniel Maffei, Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Lars Jensen, Vespucci Maritime CEO

    Episode 5 - Shipping goes mainstream as the peak season rolls in

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2021 53:32


    Credits: Created, Produced and Hosted by Mike King In Episode 5 of The Loadstar Podcast, Mike King is joined by Loadstar shipping reporter Mike Wackett, Eric Reuter, Forto’s Vice President for Asia, and Happy Chau, a fashion logistics expert and Director of Sales with Transpacific specialist OEC Group. They examine how shipping and logistics have become mainstream news, what impact Covid outbreaks are having on ports, airports and freight rates, and why carriers are increasingly favouring longer contracts and larger shippers. Jefferies analyst Randy Giveans {from 22.30) explains how the markets are reacting to record carrier profits, and where all the extra cash will likely be spent. And James Hookham (from 34.15), the outspoken director of the Global Shippers Forum, gives a freight buyers’ perspective on current markets in an exclusive Q&A.

    Episode 4 – Air and container freight rates soar as shippers and regulators seek answers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2021 42:11


    Credits: Created, Produced and Hosted by Mike King Mike discusses container freight rates and supply-demand with BIMCO’s Peter Sand Stifel’s Bruce Chan explains why he thinks structurally higher air freight rates are here to stay And a leading US SME shipper explains how his company is coping with lengthy shipment delays. In the fourth Episode of The Loadstar Podcast, Mike King is jointed by The Loadstar’s news editor Nick Savvides as they examine the latest efforts of the Biden administration and the Federal Maritime Commission to tackle shipping costs, They’re joined by Stifel’s Bruce Chan to explore why he thinks structurally higher air cargo prices might be here to stay. And a leading SME shipper in the US explains the damaging impact of supply chain delays on his business. Mike is then joined by BIMCO chief shipping analyst Peter Sand for an in-depth examination of freight rates and the demand and supply outlook for container shipping.

    Episode 3 - Exclusive interview with Tim Scharwath, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2021 46:26


    Credits: Created, Produced and Hosted by Mike King What Pearl River Delta port congestion means for rates Can larger ships solve capacity shortages? AND, why everyone in freight and shipping should be paying more notice to the seafarer humanitarian crisis.

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